The
Space Race grew out of the Cold War between the United States and
the Soviet Union, the most powerful nations after World War II. For
a half-century, the two superpowers competed for primacy in a global
struggle pitting a democratic society against totalitarian communism.

Space was a crucial
arena for this rivalry. Before a watchful world, each side sought
to demonstrate its superiority through impressive feats in rocketry
and spaceflight. Secret satellites kept a wary eye on the adversary.

At the end of
the Cold War, the United States and Russia agreed to build a space
station and pursue other joint ventures in space. A contest that began
in fear and enmity has become a partnership.

What makes the Soviet threat unique in history is its all-inclusiveness.
Every human activity is pressed into service as a weapon of expansion.
Trade, economic development, military power, arts, science, education,
the whole world of ideas.... The Soviets are, in short, waging total
cold war.

President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1958

Finally, if we are
to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom
and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in
recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik
in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere....

President
John F. Kennedy, 1961

We have a long way
to go in the space race. We started late. But this is the new ocean,
and I believe the United States must sail on it and be in a position
second to none.